College of Charleston Now Offering a Global Leadership Certificate

So, you want to change the world? It all starts here, in Charleston, South Carolina, the epicenter of global opportunity.

And now, with the new Global Leadership Certificate, offered through the Department of Political Science and the International Studies Program, the College of Charleston is stamping your passport to the world with an all-inclusive and comprehensive certificate for future global leaders who are ready for the next big thing.

Combining elements of the study of leadership more generally with that of global affairs, the program packages a new introductory course on global leadership with current courses from a variety of programs in the schools of Humanities and Social Sciences; Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs; Health Sciences; Natural and Environmental Sciences; and Business – giving students, both degree-seeking and non-degree seeking alike, a pathway to combine their interests in global affairs with a desire to acquire practical leadership skills. 

“This program is innovative and groundbreaking in bringing together the study of leadership and global affairs with coursework which seeks to cultivate leadership skills, traits and culture to give students the ability to apply their knowledge and become leaders in whatever setting they may find themselves going forward,” says the program’s director, Malte Pehl, associate professor of international studies.

Bringing together leadership-related and global studies-related coursework already in place, the 18-hour certificate complements studies across any major or field and includes courses in policy, global studies and civic discourses. Taken together, this program strives to produce better future global leaders who have knowledge and skills useful to lead in global settings.

The interdisciplinary approach provides a multifaceted perspective on global leadership from faculty in international studies, business, communication, political science, philosophy, sustainability and cultural studies.

The certificate also emphasizes experiential learning by incorporating coursework that requires students to participate in simulations and undergraduate research, internship or study abroad experiences.

Any student interested in developing a global profile will benefit from this certificate. Students will develop leadership styles that inspire and motivate others and learn how to engage and communicate effectively with diverse audiences the world over so that they may collaborate creatively to address and resolve global challenges. Building an understanding and appreciation for different cultures, students will learn to consider the welfare of the global community and the environment so that they may make ethical decisions as an empathetic leader and global citizen.

“The Global Leadership Certificate equips the next generation of leaders to tackle the pressing challenges of the 21st century and beyond,” says Hollis France, chair of the Department of Political Science. “This program emphasizes the cultivation of a global mindset, enhanced by actionable knowledge and the development of essential leadership competencies, behaviors and skills. Students will apply this knowledge to bridge cultural divides, build trust and foster diverse, inclusive and collaborative environments.”

The GLC gives students what they need to be successful in a variety of careers this interconnected world, including critical skills, cultural awareness and strategic decision-making insights. The GLC can lead students across the world and down whatever the career path they choose – from international business to diplomacy and international relations, from global nonprofit organizations to communication and media.

Whether it be politics, economics, culture or education: Your impact could be anywhere. With the College’s Global Leadership Certificate, you can change the world.